Mike Staples was a man of honor at Atmore Fire Department where he began as a firefighter and retired as assistant chief. In my eight years working with Staples he taught me many things, to many to list in fact.

He welcomed me into the brotherhood of firefighters and guided me with strong and steady words.

The thing most don’t realize about firefighters and life at the station is hat above all else we are family. We laugh, pick, play, work and argue. We may not always get along but we are always there to catch each other when we fall. Staples was a huge part of this family and in most part the heart of the AFD.

After his retirement I talked to Staples and saw him a few times a week, if I ever had a problem personal or work related he was there with words of advice or just an open ear to listen. He taught me many things that I will carry with me for not just the rest of my career but for the rest of my life. I will always miss his words of advice, his late afternoon card games and his famous “Staples Burgers.”

He will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you F2 for all you taught us and your friendship.

Daniel White
Atmore Fire Department